Even a draw could see Scotland qualify
A 1-0 defeat to Morocco last time out, a game in which Steve Clarke's side couldn't even muster a shot on target, has significantly dented their ambitions to progress to the Round of 32; however, an unlikely draw against the Selecao could still see Scotland qualify.
One thing is absolutely certain, and that is that the Tartan Army will once again be in full voice at Miami Stadium, roaring their heroes on from start to finish, in the hope that their side can extend their stay in the USA for just a little while longer.
If they believe in omens, Brazil's last three group-stage defeats in a World Cup tournament all came on matchday three.
It can't be overlooked, however, that in 10 previous meetings dating back to 1966, Scotland still haven't beaten Brazil, which is both the most occasions they’ve played an international side without winning, and Brazil haven't played a side more often without losing.
Vinicius Junior has a point to prove
The last time the two teams met was back in March of 2011, and on that occasion, the Selecao eased to a 2-0 victory. It's been 28 years since they faced each other in the World Cup, with Brazil triumphing in 1998 by two goals to one, en route to the final.
Vinicius Junior will also have a point to prove, given that all of the other big names in the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, have scored at least twice so far.
With Raphinha out and Neymar only just returning to full fitness, it does give Carlo Ancelotti a little selection headache, even if he does have suitable options in reserve.
Matheus Cunha's emergence - five goals in his last six starts for Brazil - has been one positive aspect, for example.
After stuttering to a 1-1 draw in their opener against Morocco, the Selecao swept Haiti aside in game two, and the victory was important in that it was the 41st time they had scored at least three times in a WC match, which is five more than any other nation (Germany is second with 36).
McTominay and McGinn to the fore
Scotland will undoubtedly be looking to Scott McTominay to provide a key moment or two in the game, though the Napoli man has often underperformed in tournament football for his country.
John McGinn's battle-hardened approach to playing will also be key to his side keeping the silky skills of the Brazilian midfield at bay for extended periods.
Andy Robertson will be leading from the front as always, and in his pre-match press conference, he was adamant that even though he was a booking away from a suspension, that wouldn't hamper him playing his natural game in the hope it contributes to an historic win.
“We want to create history, so I’ll be going for it, booking or no booking. You have to play the game," he told reporters.
Plenty of PL experience in the Brazil side
The Scots will have their work cut out to make any sort of inroads, however, as the Brazilian team is awash with talent even without the services of Neymar and Raphinha.
Alisson, Casemiro, Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta and Cunha all have Premier League experience, so perhaps their opponents need to take a leaf out of the book of England's most recent opponents, Ghana, by employing a low block and a more physical style in order to stifle the expected silky skills of the players they're up against.
However, Scotland are certainly capable of playing on the front foot, as they showed against Morocco, even if it was ultimately all in vain, and Brazil have been vulnerable, particularly down the channels, against teams that really go at them.
With a win guaranteeing progression into the next stage, of course, there are valid reasons for Clarke's men to just go for it.
Leaving themselves exposed at the back, should they decide to be a little gung-ho as the match evolves, is likely to be more of a hindrance than a help though.
The knowledge that they might still qualify as a third-placed team, too, might also be something Clarke leans into in the latter stages of the match if things are still in the balance.
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Jason Pettigrove has been the features writer for Flashscore since 2025, utilising Opta data to form the basis of his articles. He has previously worked for high profile football clubs, news and media outlets, both in print and digital, and can usually be found watching FC Barcelona when time permits. You can read more of his pieces here.
